PCX
WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
international Bureau
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
(51) International Patent Classification ^ :
G06F 19/00, 159/00
Al
(11) International Publication Number:
WO 97/41525
(43) International Publication Date: 6 November 1997 (06.11. 97)
(21) International Application Number: PCT/AU97/00250
(22) International Filing Dale: 24 April 1997 (24.04.97)
(30) Priority Data:
PN 9521
26 April 1996 (26.04.%)
AU
(71) Applicant (for alt designated States except US): HUNTER
AREA PATHOLOGY SERVICE [AU/AUl; Lookout Road.
New Lambton HcighLs. NSW 2035 (AU).
(72) Inventors; and
(75) inventors/Applicants (for US only): ENNO. Amo [AU/AU];
80 Church Street. Newcastle. NSW 2300 (AU). COX,
Craig (AU/AUl: 29 Pottlcwell Road. Fern Bay, NSW 2295
(AU). W<X)DFORD. Phillip lAU/AU); 16 The Anchorage.
Dudley. NSW 2290 (AU).
(74) Agent: GRIFFITH HACK; G.P.O. Box 4164. Sydney. NSW
2001 (AU).
(81) Designated States: AL. AM. AT. AU. AZ. BA. BE. BG. BR.
BY, CA. CH. CN. CU. CZ. DE, DK. EE, ES. FI. GB. GE.
GH. HU. IL. IS, JP. KE KG. KP. KR. K2. LC. LK. LR.
LS. LT. LU. LV, MD. MG. MK. MN. MW, MX. NO. NZ.
PL, PT. RO. RU. SD. SE. SG. SI, SK. TJ, TM. TR, TT.
UA. UG. US, UZ. VN, YU. ARIPO patent (GH, KE, LS.
MW. SD, SZ. UG), Eurasian patent (AM. AZ. BY. KG. KZ.
MD, RU. TJ. TM), European patent (AT. BE. CH. DE. DK.
ES. R. FR, GB. GR, IE. IT. LU. MC. NL. PT. SE). OAPI
patent (BF, BJ, CF. CG. CI, CM. GA. GN. ML. MR, NE.
SN. TD, TG).
Published
With international search report.
(54) Title: BLOOD PROCESSING SYSTEM
(57) Abstract
A computer system for controlling the dispens-
ing of blood to a patient comprising a ^rst data entry
means for entering first patient record details including
blood group and antibody screening details for the pa-
tient; second data entry means for entering second pa-
tient record details for the patient the computer system
cross-checking the second patient record details against
portions of the first patient record details the computer
system detemriining a group of compatible blood packs
for the patient from available blood stocks; third data en-
try means for entering details of a proposed compatible
blood pack from the available blood stocks; and autho-
risation output means outputting an authorisation when
the proposed compatible blood pack is one of the group
of compatible blood packs as detennined by the com-
puter system. A computer system as claimed in claim
1 wherein the first data entry means is remote from the
second data entry means.
TRANdFUdiON rearm
SAMPLE
resr^FLE
rooeTE/^hnNE
STORE OETAILS
OF RS5ULT3
FOR ^\MFtE
■AdEDfCAL RECOUP mJM^$^
■HOSFfTAL
mtE
'dmiPATE
ess
FfWESS Perots
/N dEWurs
RE6fSrER
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'NAME
-GSS ^
ESTABU5H
E3R5 m$i
RECORP
- 3rof4PArs
FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
Codes used to identify Stales party to the PCT on the from
AL
Albajiia
ES
Spain
AM
Armenia
FI
Finland
AT
Austria
PR
Fiince
KM
Australia'
GA
Gabon
AZ
Aztrbaijin
GB
Usiied Kingdom
BA
Bosnia and Herzegovina
GE
Oeorsia
BB
Barbados
Gil
China
BE
Belgium
GN
Gatnea
BP
Burkina Faso
GR
Greece
BG
Bulfaria
IIU
Hungary
BJ
Benin
IE
Ireland
BR
Brazil
IL
Tsnel
BY
Belanis
IS
Iceland
CA
Canada
IT
haly
CP
Central African RepubUc
JP
Japan
CC
Congo
KE
Kenya
CH
Swiizerlind
KG
Kyrgyistan
CI
COte d* I voire
KP
Democniic People 'i
CM
Cameroon
Republic of Korea
CN
Chira
KR
Republic of Korea
CU
CutM
KZ
Kazakstan
CZ
Cztch Republic
LC
Sami Lucia
DR
Ccnnany
U
Liechieostetn
DK
Denmark
LK
Sri Larka
RE
Estonia
LR
Ubcria
pages of pamphlets publishing international applications under the PCT.
LS
i.esotho
SI
Slovenia
LT
Lithuania
SK
Slovakia
LU
Luxembourg
SN
Senegal
LV
Latvia
sz
Swaziland
MC
Monaco
TO
Chad
MD
Republic of Moldova
TG
Togo
MG
Madagascar
TJ
Tajikittan
MK
The former Yugoslav
TM
Turkmenistan
Republic of Macedonia
TR
Turkey
ML
Mali
TT
Trinidad and Toba^
MN
Mongolia
UA
Ukraine
MR
Mauritania
UG
Uganda
MW
Malawi
US
United Sutes of America
MX
Mexico
uz
Uzbekistan
NE
Niger
VN
Vie* Nam
NL
Nethertands
YU
Yugoslavia
NO
Norway
ZW
Zimbabwe
NZ
New Zealand
PL
Poland
PT
Ponupt
RO
Romania
RU
Russian Federatioa
SD
Sudan
SE Sweden
SG Singipore
wo 97/41525
PCT/AU97/00250
BlcxDd Processing System
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the identification,
storage and dispensing of blood and blood products to
5 patients requiring blood transfusions.
Background of the Invention
In hospital procedures, it is often necessary for a
patient to receive a blood transfusion as part of an
operation or the like. The need to ensure that a patient
10 receives a compatible type blood is of great importance,
with the consequence of receiving incompatible blood
including possible fatality.
For a full discussion of likely blood transfusion
errors which can occur in practice, reference is made to
15 "A Report of 104 Transfusion Errors in New York State" by
J V Linden, B Paul, and K P Dressier, published in
Transfusion, Volume 32, No. 7, pages 601-606. This
journal article reports that error rates for blood
transfusions can occur in modern societies at
20 approximately the rate of 1 error per 12,000 transfusions.
It has been further found in practice that doctors,
not wishing to be caught short in their blood supply,
often choose to over order blood supply stocks so that
blood is always on hand in case of emergencies, especially
25 in casualty wards. This has lead to high levels of
wastage or spoilage in that excessive supply is required
to satisfy demands which may not be realised and depend
substantially on chance.
Further, with prior art blood dispensing systems,
30 excessive amounts of clerical processing are normally
required in addition to high levels of skill required in
dealing with blood and knowing what blood types and tests
must be carried out before blood can be made available for
transfusion .
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26)
'^0 9V4XS1S PCr/AU97/00250
Summary of the Invention
. It is an object of the present invention to provide
an improved method for handling blood which is amenable to
a reduction in the likelihood of transfusion errors and to
allow for a system which results in a reduction in our
blood wastage due to the leviation of storage requirements
and also provides for an automated system allowing for
persons with lower levels of professional training to
handle blood and its dispensing.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention
there, is provided a computer system for controlling the
dispensing of blood to a patient comprising:
first data entry means for entering first patient
record details including blood group and antibody
screening details for said patient;
second data entry means for entering second patient
record details for said patients-
said computer system cross-checking said second
patient record details against portions of said first
patient record 'details;
said computer system determining a set of compatible
blood packs for said patient from available blood stocks;
third data entry means for entering details of a
proposed compatible blood pack from said available blood
stocks; and
authorisation output means outputting an
authorisation when said proposed compatible blood pack is
one of said set of compatible blood packs as determined by
said computer system.
Preferably the blood group and antibody screening
details can be obtained from testing a sample of the
patient's blood and entering them in the first data entry
means.
Further, the authorisation can comprise printing out
adhesive labels for the blood pack and, in an extra step
the full details of the blood pack may be re-entered into
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26)
wo 97/41525 PCT/AU97/00250
- 3-
the computer system at a later stage, for example, before
dispensing .
Of course, the system can be comprised from multiple
computers interconnected in a predetermined manner by
5 means of a network or the like.
Both the test results of the patient and the blood
products themselves can be time stamped and the computer
system can take this into account in refusing to issue any
authorisations when certain predetermined time periods
10 have expired. Further, a patient's history can be "built
up" and each tiine transfusion is to occur, this history
can be examined to check for any anomalies.
The system of the preferred embodiment has the
significant advantage that blood release is completely
15 controlled by a computer system. Hence, the preferred
embodiment does not need to rely on intervention by
laboratory staff during the blood release to ensure pre-
transfusion requirements are met.
In the preferred embodiment, the computer system
20 performs all the checking functions and subsequently
matches and selects the compatible pack{s) of blood from
an inventory. This allows the preferred embodiment to
operate away from the laboratory environment and to be
used by non-laboratory hospital staff at remote hospitals
25 interconnected into the computer system of the preferred
embodiment .
Brief Description of the Drawings
Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within
the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the
30 invention will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig, 1 illustrates the process of a first embodiment
in testing a blood transfusion sample; and
Figs 2 illustrates a flow-chart for determining
35 whether transfusion blood should be released by the first
embodiment .
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26)
wo 97/41525
PCT/AU97/D0250
- 4-
Fig. 3 illustrates the interaction of computer
. systems when utilised by a user to dispense blood; and
Fig. 4 illustrates a flow chart for establishing a
EBRS record; and
Fig. 5 illustrates a flow chart for the release of
blood in accordance with the second embodiment.
Description of the Preferred and Other Embodiments
In the preferred embodiment, reliance is placed on
the integration of parts of the blood transfusion process
within a computer system to extensively monitor the
process to detect possible errors.
It is assumed that the preferred embodiment is to run
in an environment in which donated blood for transfusion
has been analysed and categorised by blood group and
antibody screening with the details being stored on a
blood bank computer system and the details of which can be
accessed by the preferred embodiment. Further, blood
stocks have been delivered to hospital in accordance with
expected needs and the level of stocks has been recorded.
The method of the preferred embodiment can be divided
into two main parts, the first part comprises the testing
of a patient's blood to determine its blood group and
antibody screening properties. The second part comprises
determining blood which should be released to the patient
when transfusion blood is needed.
Referring to Fig. 1, there is illustrated the steps
involved in the transfusion testing part of the preferred
embodiment .
In a first step 2 a blood sample, taken from a
patient, is received along with the patient details. The
patient details include the patient's name, birth date,
hospital from which the blood is received, and a unique
medical record number (MRN) for the patient to which
uniquely identifies the patient. The sample is tested 3
at the receiving pathology laboratory to determine the
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26)
wo 97/41525
PCT/AU97/00250
- 5-
sample's blood group (G) in addition to performing an
antibody screening of the blood (S) .
The results of the testing process are first entered
4 into the computer system of the main pathology
5 laboratory. These results are entered without any checks
being performed against previous results. Details entered
include a lab identification number, a patent's medical
record number (MRN) , the hospital, name, patient birth
date and the blood group and antibody screening results.
10 Secondly, the details are entered in a separate register 6
which is separate from the storage of details 4. In the
register 6, the sample's lab number and the patient's name
are utilised to identify the sample.
15 information stored in step 4. A further register is
maintained of all patient's antibody details. Each time a
patient's sample is entered, the antibody register is
firstly checked to see if a discrepancy exists and
secondly the patient's antibody details are updated. If a
20 discrepancy exists, the process terminates with a relevant
notification to the user.
Next, the patient's blood group results are again
entered at step 6. The entry must be a valid blood group
code and the entered blood group code is then validated
25 against all samples previously received for the same
patient which had been previously stored in the main
laboratory computer system 4 or have been stored in the
patient antibody register. Again, any inconsistencies
result in termination of the method 1 with an appropriate
30 notice.
The antibody screening results S are then entered 6
and checked against all previous records 4 for the same
patient in addition to the patient antibody register. Any
results that indicate an antibody has been detected, again
35 results in program termination with an appropriate
After entry, this information is compared against the
message .
PCT/AU97AKtt50
- 6-
If no inconsistencies are found, an Electronic Blood
. Release System (EBRS) record is created 7 which has a time
out value of between either 3 to 14 days over which it
will remain valid, with the validity period being
determined depending on the transfusion history of the
patient, including the patient's blood group and antibody
screening results. This record is then stored on the main
laboratory system for access at a later date.
Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3 there will now be
explained the preferred method of releasing blood at a
remote station, such as a hospital or the like. To this
end, it is assumed that the hospital's computer system is
connected to the main laboratory computer system and able
to exchange information therewith.
In Fig. 3, there is illustrated one possible
arrangement of computers of the preferred embodiment. In
this arrangement, a user's computer 30, within a hospital
environment is interconnected to the aforementioned main
laboratory computer system 31, the hospital's computer
system 32 and the blood bank's computer system 33 which
contains records of blood donors and blood types.
Referring to Fig. 2, access to the transfusion blood
release system begins by utilising a password 21 to access
the system running on computer system 30 (Fig. 3).
Preferably, a high level of security is provided by
allowing for multiple passwords before access is achieved.
Next, the computer informs the user to enter the required
patient's full name, hospital identifier and the date of
birth. This data entry is validated by checking for the
corresponding EBRS record (7 of fig. 1) located on the
main laboratory computer system 31 (Fig. 3), as well as
checking the stored details of the results sample 4 and
cross-checking against the information which may be
available on the hospital's master patient index located
on the hospital computer system 33 (Fig. 3). Thirdly, the
blood bank computer system records 33 are searched to
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26)
wo 97/41525 PCT/AU97/00250
- 7-
ensure that no antibodies exist for the person needing the
transfusion. If there are any abnormalities or errors,
the transfusion blood release system 20 is designed to
terminate after reporting any error.
5 As noted previously, the EBRS record is examined to
determine if the record is still valid. If a valid record
is found, a list of compatible blood pack numbers are
determined 24 from those blood packs which are available
at the remote site. It is assumed that the blood packs
10 have been pretested and categorised as is the normal
procedure for handling donated blood. The user is
instructed to choose one of the compatible blood packs.
Importantly, the system only displays blood packs that are
in date, and have a blood group as previously verified by
15 the 'dispensing blood laboratory.
Next, the user is instructed to enter a donation
number previously printed on the selected blood pack in
addition to the blood group barcodes on the selected pack.
For convenience and accuracy, the information" can be
20 entered by means of bar codes or the like. This
information is then checked to determine if it is correct
and a matching label is printed.
After affixing the label to the blood pack 26, the
user is instructed to rescan all the blood pack package
25 details. The system again checks that the blood pack is
ABO compatible with the EBRS record of the patient. Upon
confirmation, a release label 28 is printed for attachment
to the patient's notes as a record of the blood
transfusion release and the blood is available for us.
30 Additionally, the laboratory computer system is
updated to reflect the blood presently available at the
local hospital system. This information can be utilised
by the laboratory computer system producing warnings when
stocks are running below minimum level and to advise on
- 35 the necessity for further deliveries.
SUBSmUTE SHEET (Rule 26)
wo 97/41525 PCT/AU97/00250
- 8-
Turning now to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, there will now be
. described a further, slightly modified embodiment of the
present invention .
In this embodiment ABO and Rh(D) typing 40 of
patients is performed using anti-A, anti-B and anti-D
reagents. Serum typing is performed with Al and B cells
against a 2 drop serum tube test. The antibody screening
test is performed by a standard tube technique consisting
of a ten minute, direct agglutination test at 37**C and a
Low ionic strength solution indirect antiglobulin test
(LISS-IAT) against a three cell sample screening panel.
A second technologist independently 41 determines the
patients blood type and enters the patient information and
blood type result into the computer. The program
validates the current and any historical data. Any
discrepancies are flagged for resolution. The program
creates a valid EBRS patient record 42 if i) a second
blood type has been performed ii) current and historical
44 patient identification and blood type tesults match 46
and iii) there is no current or historical record of
unexpected red cell antibodies 45. A full lAT crossmatch
is performed for patients with red cell antibodies and an
ISX is performed when no second technologist . is
immediately available to perform a check of the ABO and
Rh(D) type. The EBRS patient record expires after 72
hours if the patient has been transfused within 3 months
or is pregnant, otherwise a 14 day expiry applies.
In Fig. 5, there is illustrated 50 the process of
releasing blood in accordance with the second embodiment.
Access to the EBRS programs requires dual passwords
51. The computer informs the user to enter 52 the
patient's full name, unique hospital number and date of
birth. This entry is validated by the laboratory
information system, the EBRS database and the Hospital
patient information database. For a remote-site user, the
programs searches 53 for a valid blood type and the
SUBSmure sheet (RuIc 26)
wo 97/41525 PCT/AU97/00250
- 9-
resuits of the antibody screen. If the antibody screen is
negative a list of compatible RBC unit numbers available
at the remote site is displayed 5^. The user is
instructed to scan the donor unit identifying number and
5 blood type barcodes of the selected unit and if valid, a
label is printed. After fixing the label to the unit, the
user is instructed to confirm 55 the unit selection by
again scanning the unit details. If confirmed, a second
label is printed for completion by the medical staff at
10 the time of transfusion for inclusion in the patient's
medical record. Immediate electronic mail messages are
sent to the central laboratory indicating the release
details and to warn the central laboratory when stocks are
falling below minimum levels.
15 By utilising the aforementioned procedures, the
likelihood of blood transfusion errors is substantially
reduced, thereby resulting in a safer blood processing
system.
Further, when utilising a system in accordance with
20 the preferred embodiment it was found that there was a
significant reduction in the volume of units requested by
medical staff. This is thought due to the case and speed
with which compatible blood can be dispensed as a result
of removal of the need for a serological cross match.
25 Further, the availability of ^computer cross matched red
blood cell units in emergency situations enhances patient
safety.
It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the
art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be
30 made to the present invention as shown in the specific
embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention as broadly described. The present
embodiment is, therefore, ' to be considered in all respects
to be illustrative and not restrictive.
SUBSTTTUTC SHEET (Rule 2fi)
10
15
"^0 91^525 PCr/AU97/00250
- 10-
CLAIMS :
1. A computer system for controlling the dispensing
of blood to a patient comprising:
first data entry means for entering first patient
record details including blood group and antibody
screening details for said patient;
second data entry means for entering second patient
record details for said patient;
said computer system cross-checking said second
patient record details against portions of said first
patient record details;
said computer ^ system determining a group of
compatible blood packs for said patient from available
blood stocks;
third data entry means for entering details of a
proposed compatible blood pack from said available blood
stocks ; and
authorisation output means outputting an
authorisation when said proposed compatible blood pack is
one of said group of compatible blood packs as determined
by said computer system.
- 2. A computer system as claimed in claim 1 wherein
said first data entry means is remote from said second
data entry means.
25 3. A computer system as claimed in any preceding
claims wherein said blood group and antibody screening
details are obtained from testing a sample of said
patient's blood.
4. A computer system as claimed in any preceding
claim wherein said computer system further comprises a
network of interlinked computers.
5. A computer system as claimed in any preceding
claim wherein said authorisation includes an adhesive
label for placing on said proposed compatible blood pack.
^5 ^- A computer system as claimed in any preceding
claim wherein portions of said patient record details are
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
20
30
wo 97/41525 PCT/AU97/00250
- n-
entered twice and stored in two separate storage locations
and cross-referenced to one another.
I. A computer system as claimed in any preceding
claim wherein said first patient record details are time
5 stamped and said computer system refuses to issue an
authorisation when the elapsed time from said time stamp
exceeds a predetermined timeout interval.
8. A computer system as claimed in any preceding
claim wherein, said computer system further requires
10 reentry of said authorisation details.
9. A computer system as claimed in any preceding
claim wherein said cross-checking also includes checking
said second patient record details against previously
entered first patient record details.
15 10. A computer system as claimed in any preceding
claim wherein said cross-checking also includes checking
said second patient record details against available
hospital record details for said patient.
II. A computer system as claimed in any preceding
20 claim wherein said blood packs have associated timestamps
and said group of compatible blood packs includes only
those blood packs having timestamps less than a
predetermined interval from a current time whose
timestamps are greater then a predetermined time passed.
25 12. A system for dispensing blood substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
SUBSmTTEE SHEET (Rule 26)
wo 97/41S2S
PCT/AU97y002$0
1/5
TRANdFUdlON TE&TING
TESTdAMPLt
TO DETERMINE
BIDOP GROUP (G)
/WPANTWPr
dCREEHINO (&)
5T0RE PETA/LS
OF RESULTS
FOR SAMPLE
LAd NUMBER
MEDICAL RECORD NUMBER (MRN)
HOSPITAL
NAME
3IRTHDATE
6SS
PROCESS PETALS
IN SEPARATE
REGISTER
LA5 NUMBER
NAME
G^3 ,7
ESTABLISH
EBRS (GSS)
RECORD
- 3 TO 14 PAYS
Fie. i
SUBSTTTUTE SHEET (Rule 2fi)
wo 97/41525
PCT/AU97/00250
2/5
TRANdFUO/ON BLOOP /^ELfAdE
UTILIZE PAdSWOf^P ACCESS
El
ENTER PAT/EN NAME,
mSE/TAL AMP PATE OFmTH
EXIT
a3
1
VALIPATE A6AIN6T:
(1) EBRS /^ECOf^P
(E) LABOEATORY EAT/ENT F/LE
id)H05PlTAL FAT/ENT MASTER INDEX
EXIT
PETEFMINE COMFAVBLE BlDOP
GROUP A dCREENiNG
i
QCAN DONATDN NUMBER 3UX>P
^ GROUP BARCODES d PRINT LABEL
^^^SX/T
EXIT
Fie. £
SUBSnrUIE sheet (Ru1« 26)
wo 97/41525
PCT/AU97/00250
r
MAN
COMPUTER
SYSTEM
(PATIENT FILE:)
i
LA5
3/5
r
HOSP/TAL
COMPUTER
SYSTEM
(PATIENT PILE)
i
3f
i
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3Z
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33
1
BLOOD mNK
COMPUTE/^
SYdTEM
(PATIENT FILE)
i
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FIG. 3
suBsnnrrE sheet (Me 26)
PCT/AU97/00250
4/5
dAMPLE
40
1
TYPING
RE/HEATED
41
ENrEREXnPt
OF SAMPLE
EBR5 PEOO/^D
Fie. 4
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Rule 26)
wo 97/41525
PCT/AU97/W)250
5/5
/^ASSiVO/^P OF
i
PATIENT
JPENT/F/CAVON
5f
5Z
50
YES
UNlTd XMATCHED
dYLABOmORY^
YES
U SEP XMATCHED
UA//T5
A/0
P/3ELAYE3f^
C OMEAT/BLE UNTTS
i
OOS/EIEM
dELECT/ON
i
UNTTS EELEAdEP
54-
EMAIL TO
LASOmORY
Fie. 5
SUBSTTTUTE SHEET (Rule 26)
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
Imemaiionai Application No.
PCT/AU 97/00250
A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
ImCl^- G06F 19/00. 159/00
Accordini; lo International Patent Classificauon (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
B. FIELDS SEARCHED
Minimum documcnUtion searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
IPC: G06F 19/00, 159/00
G06F 15/42
[)ocumentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents arc included in the fields searched
AU: IPC as above
Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of daU base and, where practicable, search terms used)
PAIS
C.
DOCUME^^^s considered to be relevant
Category*
Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
Relevant to claim No
AU.B, 70390/96 (677942) (DISKINESIS DEVELOPMENTS PTY LTD) 8 May
1997
WO.A, 91/06917 (GARCIA) 16 May 1991
1 j FuTther documents tre listed in the contimulioo of Ek>x C
1 y 1 See patent family aimex
* Special categories of cited documents:
*A" document defming the general state of the art which is
not considered to be of particular relevance
H" earlier document but polished on or after the
intemational filirtg date
"L" document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s)
or which is cited to establish the publication date of
another citation or other special reason (as specified)
"O" document, referring to an oral disclosure, use.
exhibition or other means
"P" document published prior lo the intemational filing
dale but later than the priority date claimed
T" later document published after the international filing date or
priority date and not in conflict with the application but cited to
understand the principle or theory urulerlying the invention
"X" document of particular relevance; the claimed invention carmot
be coitsidered novel or cannot be considered to involve an
inventive step when the document is taken alone
"Y" document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot
be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is
combined with one or more other such documents, such
combination being obvious to a person skilled in the an
document member of the same patent family
Date of Oic actual completion of the intemational search
20 June 1997
Dale of mailing of the international search report
03 JUL 1997
Name and mailing address of the ISA/AU
AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY ORGANISATION
PO BOX 200
WODEN ACT 2606
AUSTRALIA Facsinulc No. : (06) 285 3929
Authorized officer
M. EMAMI
Telephone No.: (06) 283 2204
Form PCT/ISA/2 10 (second sheet) (July 1992) copjhw
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT Intcmauonal Apphcauon No
Information on patent family members pct/au 97/00250
This Annex lists the known A" publication level patent family members relating to the patent documents cited
in the above-mentioned international search repon. The Australian Patent Office is in no way liable for these
particulars which are merely given for the purpose of information.
Patent Document Cited in Search
Repon
Patent Family Member
WO 9106917
AU
US
66220/90
5065315
CA 2067747
EP
497832
Form PCT/1SA/2I0 (extra sheet) (July 1992) copjhw
END OF ANNEX
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